A CUTTING-edge hydrogen-powered eco tank which fires deadly shells while leaving only water in its trail is officially being developed.
The silent stealth tank dubbed the K3 is in production at South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem – and will even include AI-enhanced weapons systems.
It may be the first ever hydrogen-powered tank[/caption]
The groundbreaking new war machine will aim to reduce the need for diesel engines – which produce bigger heat and acoustic signatures.
The fact that it is powered by hydrogen will reduce the vehicle’s detectability from surveillance systems.
And it will also also improve the menacing tank’s mobility.
The tank is being built in coordination with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality.
Hyundai Rotem said: “The next-generation main battle tank surpasses all capabilities of today’s MBTs, providing more efficient mission employment with the latest technologies for future warfare.”
The pièce de résistance of the cutting-edge tank is its menacing 130mm smoothbore main gun mounted on an unmanned turret.
The gun system is supported by an AI-enhanced fire control system and is developed for long-range lethality.
It has the ability to track and target enemies without a soldier behind it.
The firm also said the system will allow pre-emptive strike abilities and high-speed targeting in combat environments.
The turret will pack multi-purpose anti-tank missiles, capable of striking targets up to 8km away – whether they’re in sight or hidden from view.
The design also has a low-profile hull design and armoured internal capsule to effectively protect its three-person crew.
The K3 will use advanced technology to defend itself.
Systems such as Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) will stop heat-seeking missiles while an Active Protection System (APS) will intercept incoming projectiles.
The tank also comes with a drone jamming suite, which will help improve its safety against UAVs.
Hyundai Rotem also aims to equip the tank with stealth geometry and signature-reducing materials.
The tank is set to contain modular armour composed of ceramic, composite and steel layers – which will offer adjustable protection levels depending on mission requirements.
The breakthrough machine will also feature autonomous driving modes.
And it will be able to deploy “slave drones”, ready for reconnaissance and threat detection.
The K3 project reflects a national-level pivot toward innovation and energy independence in military mobility, with battlefield environments evolving toward high-speed, high-survivability engagements.
The K3 project marks South Korea’s bold push into next-level tank tech.
The country is aiming for lightning-fast, ultra-tough battlefield machines.
If it is successful, the K3 could become the world’s first hydrogen-powered main battle tank.
